The Beginning of Our Story

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Nathaniel's Birth Plan

With Danielle's c-section, I did a lot of research before and while writing my birth plan for her. Since I had already been though it once, and had learned much more about birth, I had a much better idea of how I wanted this birth to go. One thing that helped me write my birth plan this time was a video that my friend & doula from Nora's birth, Ashley of Gaia Birth, about a "Natural Cesarean." If you are having a c-section, I highly recommend watching it, and using it to help you write your birth plan. You might not want to use everything you see in the video (like I didn't want the drape dropped to see him being born, but I did want pictures to look at later), and some hospitals might not let you do everything, but it's worth asking!

We request informed consent for
both Sarah and our son, Nathaniel.

For Sarah’s Prep & Surgery:

üIV’s in left arm/ hand (numb area
before IV goes in)

üIV should be placed so the loop is
above my knuckles

üAdam does NOT leave my side as
soon as the IV’s are put in

üAdam will be in the OR when the
spinal is done

üLow transverse incision (want a
VBAC again with rest of children)

oIf he is not in the optimal
position for a low horizontal incision, attempt to move him (We will not
consent to a vertical incision)

üDo NOT want arms strapped down

üNo sedatives after he is delivered

For Nathaniel’s Birth:

üWould like to know when he is
starting to be pulled out, and when he is all the way out

üWe will wait with all new born
procedures and assessments (weight, length, eye ointment, etc.)

üWant him given to Adam and I right
away and try breast feeding while in the OR

üIf he needs immediate medical
attention, Adam will be with him

üBoth Adam and the baby will stay
with me the whole time (OR to recovery room and thereafter)

For Sarah’s Recovery:

üSpinals & epidurals work
really well for me, and take longer than expected to wear off

üI don't move well by myself until
well after the spinal has completely worn off

üI WILL need help moving and/or
transferring beds, or I will throw up

üWould like the minimal amount of
pain drugs to keep me comfortable

For Nathaniel:

üAdam and/ or I would like to give
him his first bath

üWe will be breastfeeding

oAbsolutely NO formula, water, or
glucose water is to be offered or given to him

üWe do not want our child offered a
pacifier, we have some we might offer, if we feel he needs it